Destinations to Celebrate Easter in 2017

The most important city for all Christians is, of course, Jerusalem. It is the dream of many to set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Easter. Even if you are not a real believer, it will be certainly very interesting to watch the liturgy.

One of the largest Easter celebrations in the world takes place in the Vatican, where millions of pilgrims come during the Holy Week. All of them are trying to get to Sunday Mass in the square of St. Peter and personally hear the appeal of Pope.

By choosing Greece, you will be able to light the Easter candle and say in Greek “Christos Anesti.” Greeks celebrate Easter brightly and solemnly because it is one of their favorite holidays. One of the most popular places on these dates is the island of Corfu, which attracts tourists from all over Europe.

The most interesting thing in Corfu is local customs. Thus, on the Holy Saturday at exactly eleven o’clock the locals throw huge clay jugs filled with water out of the windows. A big barrel festively decorated is set in the town of Kerkyra, where every passer throws a coin for good luck. Songs and Greek dancing continue all week. Greek schoolchildren have Easter holidays for 15 days.

Germany is the country, where one of the most popular symbols of the holiday appeared – the Easter Bunny. It is believed that on the eve of Easter Sunday, the Rabbit hides a basket with eggs and sweets in the garden and in the morning children go in search of them.

Unusual Easter tradition exists in Bavaria in the town of Traunstein. On Easter Monday, the town is filled with riders on horses. They participate in the equestrian procession in honor of St. George, the patron saint of horses and cattle. Riders move to the church Ettendorf three kilometers away from the city, where the priest blesses the animals. In the morning and in the afternoon, there is a traditional dance with swords. The celebrations are watched by the locals in traditional Bavarian costumes.

Perhaps nowhere in Europe, Easter is celebrated with such a large scale, as in Spain. This is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. In large and small villages across the country, hundreds of religious processions take place, symbolizing the path of Christ to Calvary. Some penitents go all the way barefoot with chains attached to their feet.

The most colorful processions take place in Seville. They are attended by representatives of more than 50 fraternities, some of which were founded in the early Middle Ages. They solemnly carry impressive walkways with the statues of Mary, Christ, and biblical figures through the city.